Tower block residents say they are living in limbo

People living in six high-rise tower blocks which will be emptied and potentially demolished say they still do not know where they will be moved to.

In March, Swindon Borough Council announced that several 1960s blocks in the Wiltshire town would be decommissioned after reaching the end of their life.

Residents in the buildings said there is mould and damp, are unable to use their balconies due to safety reasons and want to "move on" with their lives.

Swindon Borough Council said there is no specific date for when the buildings will be decommissioned and that they want people to be rehoused in suitable accommodation.

Cheryl and her daughter Kiera, who have lived in a flat in the Park North area of the town for a decade, said they have "mixed feelings".

"It was lovely when we moved in," said Cheryl. "I'll be sad to see them go, it's been home.

"But there's been mould, the issue with the balcony... you felt closed in."

There are currently more than 2,000 people on a waiting list for social housing in Swindon.

There are 132 properties across the six tower blocks with tenants in, all of which will be given priority for available council housing.

People were told about the tower block closures in March but say they have had no updates since.

"That's the worst part, not knowing," said Cheryl. "You know you're going to move but you don't know when. Then the anxiety because you're worried, where am I going to move to.

"I just want this done so I can move on with my life."

The cost of rehousing the tenants and buying back 10 flats which were purchased under Right to Buy is estimated to be £5m, much less than the cost of refurbishment.

The plan was proposed by the previous Labour council. When they surveyed residents, the majority said they would welcome alternative accommodation.

Conservative councillor Matty Courtliff, cabinet member for housing, said that "there's no set date for when these buildings will be decommissioned" and that the council will consider demolishing the buildings.

He added: "We don't want buildings left to wreck and ruin as a magnet for anti-social behaviour so I'll be looking seriously with officers at the next steps for not just demolishing the buildings but making sure we replace that lost housing with new ones".

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